OSA and medication interference

[snamvar]

Hi,
I am taking Paxil for my depression and Ambien for insomnia. I was also taking Klonopin(sp?) for anxiety. My sleep doctor was very concerned about me taking the Klonopin. She suggested for me to talk to my doctor aout it.
What is it about Klonopin or other ani anxiety drugs that could avdersely affect OSA?
I am using CPAP and although my energy level has improved, buy anxiousness still exists
Cheers.

[Spiritus]

Hi,
I am taking Paxil for my depression and Ambien for insomnia. I was also taking Klonopin(sp?) for anxiety. My sleep doctor was very concerned about me taking the Klonopin. She suggested for me to talk to my doctor aout it.
What is it about Klonopin or other ani anxiety drugs that could avdersely affect OSA?
I am using CPAP and although my energy level has improved, buy anxiousness still exists
Cheers.

Hi,

In time, the Paxil will likely help with your anxiety. Anxiety and depression are very closely related, and can often be treated in the same way. As for the Klonopin, be aware that it is a Benzodiazepine, and if taken regularly, can be addictive. I'm speaking from experience about these medications - I suffered from anxiety for years, and Paxil was the answer for me.

One thing to be aware of is that it is very important to establish the correct dosage of Paxil. Often GPs prescribe it without closely monitoring the patient to see whether or not the current dose is effective. Psychiatrists is usually more vigilent about this. When you find the right dose of Paxil, if it is the medication for you, you will definitely know it.

As for the Klonopin, I would consider using it only as required - rather than on an ongoing basis. That way you won't develop a tolerence for it, and it will be effective when you need it.

As for your question about whether the drugs you are taking will adversely affect your OSA, condsider this: some people with sleep apnea also have other disorders like Periodic Leg Movements, or Restless Leg Syndrome. Klonopin is often prescribed for those disorders, so I don't see what your sleep doctor is getting at.

Rob

[snamvar]

Hi Rob,
I agree with you about Klonopin and the addiction. However, if you search on the web for "klonopin AND apnea", It says everywhere that Klonopin would worsen apnea because it is a sedative. I am wondering as why, and whether it is true with any other sedative and apnea.

[Spiritus]

Hi Rob,
I agree with you about Klonopin and the addiction. However, if you search on the web for "klonopin AND apnea", It says everywhere that Klonopin would worsen apnea because it is a sedative. I am wondering as why, and whether it is true with any other sedative and apnea.

I'm now confused, because some folks on this list who have restless leg syndrome have mentioned being prescribed Klonopin - and they are also on cpap.

Rob

[snamvar]

I believe the reason was that I could only use CPAP few hours a night. When apnea event occurs, the brain has to wake up and take care of it. When on Klonopin, this reaction could be delayed or not happen altogether. I will double check and post you.